How Brands Can Take Advantage of IGTV Video

Video has always been king. This week Instagram rolled out it’s latest major updated with IGTV. This will allow users to upload videos of up to one hour in length. Previously users could only upload videos of a limit of one minute. Users can access IGTV Video on the Instagram homescreen or download the standalone app. This is a game changer for creators and marketers alike. Creators will be able to develop their channels with different videos that users can subscribe to and even put links in the description of their videos to drive traffic to their personal website or elsewhere.

Currently, there are no ads on IGTV, but in their announcement of the update, Instagram did mention that ads could eventually end up here. But that doesn’t mean this is not an additional place for brands to create and distribute long form videos.

What is IGTV?

Similar to Facebook Watch, IGTV is Instagram’s version of a video content hub. IGTV is focused on long form video content of up to 60 minutes in length. This changes the game for video content for both creators and marketers alike. You do not have to be a celebrity or influencer to have access to IGTV. Everyone now has access to create these longer form videos, and they can be leveraged in vertical format, which provides a whole new element.

Key Components You Need to Know

  • The IGTV channel is next to your stories highlights right on your Instagram News Feed home screen.
  • Can add a description and a title to each video along with your own thumbnail for the video’s cover. All this can be done before you upload it.
  • IGTV videos can be shared as direct messages
  • Videos must be created in vertical video format
  • Trackable insights on IGTV for Likes, Comments, Views, and Average View Duration

How Can My Brand Leverage IGTV?

Think of the videos that you are posting on YouTube. Those videos can be done on IGTV.

  1. Repurpose content from your YouTube channel.
    1. You will have to do some editing to make sure it is not longer one minute in length. This will give your content even more exposure and attractive to a whole new audience.
  2. Recurring Segments
    1. Say you go on your local radio station every week to discuss upcoming events. Or you have a weekly segment on your local Television station. You can take those segments, turn them into videos and post them on IGTV. This can be a fantastic way to turn you blog posts into easily digestible content. If you have a weekly blog where you share tips or share upcoming weekend events. You can turn that into a short video that can be shared on IGTV, giving your audience something that they can come back to week after week.
  3. Interviews
    1. Use your IGTV channel as a news segment. Do an interview of an industry leader, a partner, someone at your company to announce a new product launch. This will help establish you as a leader and product expert. Essentially you will be creating a nice little niche for you and your brand.

That is all that I have for right now on this, but the possibilities are endless. This is just the beginning. By leveraging video with your content marketing you will bringing in another audience, attracting more consumers and bringing your brand to life visually. You do not need high tech video equipment to create a short series on IGTV video, as all you need is just your cell phone. Hopefully everyone takes advantage of the opportunity with IGTV video to be a creator and bring customers to your business.

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